Opportunity Enterprises is offering a summer day camp for children ages 4-18 with a developmental delay or disability at its Respite Home at 478 High Meadows Dr. The camp will run Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm. For ages 8 to 12, the camp is scheduled July 18 – July 22; for ages 4 to 8, July 25 – July 29; and for ages 12 to 18, August 1 – August 5. There will be a required registration and informational session at the OE Lakeside Property on Friday, June 24, at 2:30 pm.
Activities for campers include: boat rides, zoo trip, swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, and nature walks. In addition, the Valparaiso Parks Department will host one afternoon for the campers.
The registration fee is $200 per child per week and the supply fee is $25. There will be a 15% discount on the registration fee for siblings. Deadline for application and payment is July 1st. The first 8 applications will be selected for each week of camp.
Applications are available at www.oppent.org, or call (219) 464-9621, ext. 525 with any questions regarding the program or application process. Send completed applications to Opportunity Enterprises, Attn: Jennifer Fraley, 2801 Evans Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383.
“Children with disabilities are typically excluded from summer camping,” shares Respite Supervisor Joshua Bougie, “so OE has decided to provide an opportunity for special needs children to enjoy a summer camp.”
“Our beautiful respite home with its large wooded lawn and swimming pool provides a fun and relaxing setting and our staff members who are CPR and first aid certified, as well as specifically trained to work with individuals with disabilities, provide the support and expertise necessary for a great camp experience,” Bougie continues. “Our campers will be able to enjoy most of the typical summer camp activities, but will also receive the support they need to have a safe and fun week.”
Since 1967, OE has been a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing exceptional support and creating meaningful opportunities that allows its consumers to serve as an inspiration to the community. For more information, visit www.oppent.org.
Photo: Campers enjoying a pontoon boat ride at OE Lakeside during the 2010 camp